PocketBase - Open Source backend in 1 file
Open Source backend in 1 file with realtime database, authentication, file storage and admin dashboard
What it is
PocketBase is an open-source backend solution packaged as a single executable file. It is designed for developers and small to medium-sized projects that require a full-featured backend without complex infrastructure. It provides a realtime database, authentication, file storage, and an admin dashboard out of the box.
Main Features
Database
- Embedded performant database with a schema builder
- Data validations
- Realtime subscriptions for live updates
- Easy-to-use REST API
Authentication
- User management for application users
- Support for email/password authentication
- OAuth2 sign-ups (Google, Facebook, GitHub, GitLab)
File Storage
- Local file storage or integration with S3-compatible storage
- Attach media files directly to database records
- On-the-fly thumbnail generation
Extensibility
- Can be used as a standalone application
- Can be used as a framework to extend via Go and JavaScript hooks
- Enables creation of custom, portable backends
How it works
Typical Backend Setup
Developers download the single PocketBase executable file and run it to instantiate a backend server. The service provides an immediate REST API and a web-based admin dashboard for managing data, users, and files.
Frontend Integration
Developers integrate PocketBase into their applications using the official JavaScript or Dart SDKs. They can perform CRUD operations, implement realtime subscriptions to listen for data changes, and manage user authentication flows directly from their frontend code.
Data Management
Users typically interact with the system by creating collections (similar to database tables) through the admin UI. They can then create, read, update, and delete records through the REST API or SDK, with changes propagating in realtime to subscribed clients.
Key Points
- Completely open-source with no proprietary restrictions
- Extremely portable due to its single-file distribution
- Includes a built-in admin dashboard for easy management
- Supports realtime functionality through subscriptions
- Provides official SDKs for JavaScript and Dart
- Can be extended with custom business logic using Go or JavaScript
Additional Details
- Current version: v0.29.3
- Written in Go
- Free to use (open source)
- Available for download from the official website and GitHub repository
- Includes official SDKs for JavaScript and Dart
- Compatible with popular frontend frameworks including React, Vue, Svelte, Angular, and Flutter
- Provides a live demo for testing capabilities
- Comprehensive documentation available online
